Querying a specific agent.

[Mr Mojo Risin']

I'm sure this is a silly question, but I don't want to trip at such a late hurdle - I plan to submit my query/sample chapters to a specific agent at an agency. The address given for sumbissions is simply 'Submissions Department'. So should I address the package to the submissions department, and address the query letter inside to the specific agent, or should I address the package to the specific agent too?

[Soccer Mom]

Send it to the specific agent you are querying.

[LBW66]

I agree. Submissions Dept. c/o ________
-Laura

[ccarver30]

Or
Submissions Dept
Attn: Jane Smith
100 First Ave
Publishmybook, NY 10010

[Will Lavender]

Or
Submissions Dept
Attn: Jane Smith
100 First Ave
Publishmybook, NY 10010

I believe Jane Smith got a NOT RECOMMENDED on P&E, ccarver. I queried her and it took her 3 years and 9 months to respond. When she finally got back to me, she asked for a paragraph. Just one paragraph. Don't know what that's about, but I sent her four paragraphs just for spite.

Turns out, Publishmybook is not even a real city. It's just a mail drop.

[Mr Mojo Risin']

Thanks for the replies. In a related question, is it always best to query a specific agent? If that agent rejects, but there are other agents on staff who may be interested, would it reach their eyes? If sent simply to the submissions department, would it be forwarded to the agent most likely to be interested?

[ccarver30]

I believe Jane Smith got a NOT RECOMMENDED on P&E, ccarver. I queried her and it took her 3 years and 9 months to respond. When she finally got back to me, she asked for a paragraph. Just one paragraph. Don't know what that's about, but I sent her four paragraphs just for spite.

Turns out, Publishmybook is not even a real city. It's just a mail drop.

You're funny. You should be a writer. :tongue

[Soccer Mom]

Check the agency's website. Some say that once you've queried one agent you have queried the agency because they pass them on if someone else might be interested. Others say that you can query another agent in-house if one rejects you.

And yes, always query a specific agent. You're trying to make a specific match.

[ccarver30]

Thanks for the replies. In a related question, is it always best to query a specific agent? If that agent rejects, but there are other agents on staff who may be interested, would it reach their eyes? If sent simply to the submissions department, would it be forwarded to the agent most likely to be interested?

You shouldn't query more than one agent at the same Agency.

[justpat]

You shouldn't query more than one agent at the same Agency.

At least not at the same time.